Attenuation of Abnormal Scarring Using Spherical Nucleic Acids Targeting Transforming Growth Factor Beta 1

Adam Ponedal, Shengshuang Zhu, Anthony J. Sprangers, Xiao Qi Wang, David C. Yeo, Daniel C.S. Lio, Mengjia Zheng, Matthew Capek, Suguna P. Narayan, Brian Meckes, Amy S. Paller*, Chenjie Xu, Chad A. Mirkin

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Abnormal scarring is a consequence of dysregulation in the wound healing process, with limited options for effective and noninvasive therapies. Given the ability of spherical nucleic acids (SNAs) to penetrate skin and regulate gene expression within, we investigated whether gold-core SNAs (AuSNAs) and liposome-core SNAs (LSNAs) bearing antisense oligonucleotides targeting transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) can function as a topical therapy for scarring. Importantly, both SNA constructs appreciably downregulated TGF-β1 protein expression in primary hypertrophic and keloid scar fibroblasts in vitro. In vivo, topically applied AuSNAs and LSNAs downregulated TGF-β1 protein expression levels and improved scar histology as determined by the scar elevation index. These data underscore the potential of SNAs as a localized, self-manageable treatment for skin-related diseases and disorders that are driven by increased gene expression.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)8603-8610
Number of pages8
JournalACS Applied Bio Materials
Volume3
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 21 2020

Keywords

  • TGF-beta
  • gene regulation
  • nanomedicine
  • scar
  • spherical nucleic acid
  • topical

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biochemistry, medical
  • Chemistry(all)
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Biomaterials

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Attenuation of Abnormal Scarring Using Spherical Nucleic Acids Targeting Transforming Growth Factor Beta 1'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this